Rules of aging: Ticking the right boxes

A senior citizen checks if she’s aging well using a checklist. You can use the list, too – go on!

by Hira Mehta

Mumbai Mirror of June 17, 2015, has listed 9 things that people aging gracefully do differently. Well, I am not sure whether I am doing half of what they have listed but let me tick the checklist with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

They work out to get strong, not skinny– Well, that’s something that I certainly can’t tick off the list. Exercising to building resistance to stay strong to do daily activities is what it says. I do agree that it is definitely important to keep those bones moving to stop them from creaking and making you immobile, but I have not got down to it yet. NO.

They stress less – This one is a big yes for me. Stressing over things has never helped me. I believe that what is not in your hands is not worth troubling your brain with. Worry for me is a waste of time as it does not solve anything. “If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system” – Kris Carr. YES.

They let go of regrets and grudges – It’s so very true for me. Why let the past hold me from doing something new today. Each morning when I open my eyes, I thank God for giving me one more day to live. You should too, so hold no grudges against people or events in your life because they were meant to be a part of it. So many people get obsessed, carrying grudges and have these mental fights with people wasting tons of energy and getting nowhere. I am both a forgiver and a forgetter, and I don’t believe in holding grudges. So well, YES.

They learn something new every day– So true, because the day we stop learning, we actually stop living. If we look back, we will see that in our times, we either did a B.Com, BA or B.Sc. Look at the various career opportunities that the youth have today and surprisingly those are the very same options that used to be our hobbies but never became careers. It’s time to explore these hidden passions and learn all the things you ever wanted. Well, I did my Events Management Diploma at the age of 48 years. The principal actually refused me admission until I assured him that I would not expect him to find me a job. After all I was just pursuing my dream. YES.

They don’t overdo the make-up – Let me say that wrinkles are the lines of experience and knowledge. I will however not let that stop me from feeling good about myself. I will use just the right amount of make-up and that dye because it makes me feel positive and good about myself. YES.

They stay positive – Absolutely and always a ‘yes’. This one tops my list because positivity keeps me young and I certainly won’t let anyone dull my sparkle. I do believe that the best is yet to come always. YES.

They get enough sleep – Hmmm, now that’s a tough one. Sleep eludes me sometimes but sleepless nights don’t worry me because if I am awake, then I am thinking and alert. I guess the trick is to let the alertness remain and sleep well too. YES and NO.

They eat and drink to their health – It is said that ‘the idea that you are what you eat is definitely true’. Eat to live not live to eat! But kya karoon control nahin hota sometimes! YES and NO.

They embrace their changing looks – but on the condition that they remain young at heart. Ditching the dye is not something I am comfortable with. I am not so sure about this one. YES and NO.

There is nothing more damaging that trying to be someone you are not. If you are comfortable in your skin, then you are sorted for life. Remember what works for me may not work for you, so don’t let this list stop you from living on your terms. Kuch toh log kahenge,logon ka kaam hai kehna…

Hira Mehta has worked in banking, corporate communications, celebrity management and event management. She is a prolific writer, and likes to voice and act for friends, apart from interviewing local celebrities and writing reports on local events.

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